Vicki Belo Shares Her Four Principles For Self-Care While Under Quarantine

After more than 100 days under quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the definition of self-care has evolved for many. If before, it was synonymous to spending some me-time going to the salon, visiting the derma, or getting a massage in the spa, it has become much deeper than these. For months, we couldn’t enjoy these activities we took for granted, and even now, there are still limitations and safety protocols that have to be observed when indulging in these self-care treats. 

This life-changing experience we all have to deal with has opened our eyes further to the importance of self-care, encompassing a holistic approach that also pays attention to health and wellness. 

Recently, Manulife Philippines conducted a wellness webinar titled “Beauty Behind Closed Doors: Self-Care During Quarantine” with guest speaker Dr. Vicki Belo. Its aim was to send a message to Filipinos that during these challenging times, you can make every day a little bit better when you take care of yourself and focus on improving your well-being.

In the webinar, Dr. Vicki shared her four principles for self-care. And these couldn't have come at a better timing, as we’re still celebrating International Self-Care Day! 

1. Find work-life balance. Some say that work-life balance is a concept that doesn’t exist. For some, it’s especially difficult to find that balance now, given the work from home setup. It has become hard to draw a line between schedules dedicated for work and for household chores, time with family, and of course, time for oneself. For Dr. Vicki, it helps that you have a designated work area, so you essentially recreate the vibe of being in the office where work hours are observed.

She also suggested dressing up as if you’re going to the office, so you don’t feel drab and your mood is uplifted. And since you have the outfit to match, don’t forget to put skincare too. Even when you’re just indoors, you need to wear sunscreen when you’re going to spend a lot of time in front of your laptop, because the harsh UV rays from the computer screen can cause hyperpigmentation and premature aging. 

2. Exercise and eat right. It’s important to stay active even inside the house. It’s easy to overeat and forget about exercise when you know you’re not going to step out of the house that often anytime soon anyway. But keep in mind that regular exercise and proper diet can help you manage stress better. To complement them, Dr. Vicki reminded everyone of the importance of staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. She also swears by the great effects of the so-called “Face Gym,” a form of workout that tones and tightens the face and the neck.

3. Bond with your loved ones. Do what you can and take all precautionary measures to make sure you and your family are safe from COVID-19, but don’t stress out yourself too much about things you have no control over. While it’s a must to stay updated with news on COVID-19, don’t overdo it lest you’ll get too overwhelmed. Instead of searching and scrolling endlessly for Google search results on coronavirus, why not use some of that time to bond with your family instead? Doing so not only benefits your wellness, you also give your loved ones the kind of reassuring presence we all need these days.

4. Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful for each waking day. It’s easy to get lost into too many thoughts, clouding our minds with worries and unnecessary stress. But the moment you refocus your vision to the things you should be thankful for, life becomes brighter and more positive. When your psychological well-being is taken care of, that can also result in stronger physical health. Do things that make you happy, be thankful that you have the opportunity to do them, then write about them in a gratitude journal.     

Lead photo via @victoria_belo